Peer pressure and risk-taking have always been a concern for some drivers, and especially for younger motorists. Teens may be pressured by friends to drive fast or to try “stunts,” whether that’s heading off roading or riding on the roof or hood of a car.
Social media has changed the dynamic. Before, teen drivers may have faced pressure and risk from their immediate group of friends. With TikTok and other platforms, though, they may be encouraged to take risks by people all over the world.
Drowsy driving is a serious problem in Hollywood and South Florida, where tired drivers cause serious and even fatal accidents. While we may think parents and working-age adults may be most at risk, studies show drivers in the 16-24 age group are 80% more likely to be in a fatigued driving collision when compared with drivers over 40 years of age. Drowsy driving accidents are often fatal and often lead to serious, permanent injuries that can impair a young adult’s life.
According to FDOT, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous for teen drivers, with the majority fatal accidents involving young drivers taking place in this time period every year. In fact, these summer days are so dangerous, FDOT has dubbed them the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
Every day, about seven teens are killed and hundreds suffer serious injuries nationwide due to car accidents, according to the CDC. While teens see getting a driver’s license as a rite of passage and a way to get freedom, getting behind the wheel is often the most dangerous thing drivers do everyday, and these motorists face additional risks when compared with other users of the road.
In Hallandale Beach and across Florida, teens are not allowed to drink and drive. Many parents assume their children are safe, but studies show that teens drink far more often than adults may assume, a habit that can lead to serious car collisions and injuries.
Here are the facts: Florida, where the legal drinking age is 21, has a zero tolerance policy for teen DUIs. If a motorist under the age of 21 has a blood alcohol level of at least 0.02, they face immediate license suspension for six months. A second DUI results in a twelve-month suspension. Refusal to submit to a urine, blood, or breath test for alcohol carries at least a year-long suspension and an 18-month suspension for a second offence.
Teen drivers in Dania Beach are excited to hit the road and experience freedom, but these motorists face some additional challenges when it comes to safety. Since they may still be perfecting their driving skills, young drivers can make mistakes which lead to crashes. Younger drivers are also statistically more likely to take risks when compared with older motorists, and risk-taking can also lead to collisions.
Young drivers are often safe drivers. Their training is still fresh in their minds and they are still learning so most drivers who are younger are taking driving seriously. That said, they also have less experience than more seasoned motorists and younger drivers may face more peer pressure from their similarly aged passengers. There are five ways you can help your teen avoid car accidents and traffic collisions in Hollywood and in surrounding areas:
Many teenagers right now are feeling a little bit restless, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled many activities, classes, and even get-togethers. As a result, teenagers with drivers’ licenses may be driving more as a way to have something to do, and this extra time on the road can pose additional hazards.
If your children are bored and driving over longer distances, they may be taking more risks and simply being on the road for a longer can mean a higher risk of car accidents and injuries. For these reasons, right now is an excellent time to talk to your children about driving safely. You may want to talk about:
Scientists know that brain development in teenagers is very different than brain structure in adults. Teenagers still have brains that are developing, which can make it harder for them to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions. It is one reason why teens are not allowed to drink until they are older, since they need the extra time to grow and accumulate experience to ensure they can handle alcohol safely.
Teen drivers can fall prey to peer pressure or inexperience, which can contribute to car accidents. If you have a teen driver in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida, you may want to talk to them about safe driving. A safe driving plan can include:
Getting a driver’s license is an exciting moment for many teens, but most teens get their licenses after only a few hours of instruction. Even new drivers who do attend driver education classes often get only limited one on one time with a professional instructor. In group classes, teens may only get limited time behind the wheel of a car for solid practice.
There are many signs that your teen may need more driving instruction. If your teen is not confident behind the wheel of a car, if their insurance rates are high, or if they have been in fender benders or close calls, these are all signs that additional training and education may be beneficial.
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